TRANSPORTATION TUESDAY: The Solar Winged Helios Vehicle

Kim Gu-Han’s Helios concept car is unusual to say the least. Resembling some sort of frill necked lizard, the electric off-road vehicle has the unique ability to spread its solar panel wings to soak up the sun’s energy. While in motion, the Helios is a sleek electric vehicle that is powered by solar energy, and when at rest it deploys a rather cool-looking fan that can absorb and store energy to power your house. Now that’s what we call inspired by nature!

We’ve seen some interesting concept vehicles here at Inhabitat, but we have never fathomed one modeled after a lizard. The Helios was inspired by reptiles that spread out their skin to control their temperature. The vehicle’s expandable solar fan allows it to absorb solar energy over a large surface area while at rest. The innovative concept vehicle was recently honored with the Best Use of Technology award in the 2008 Interior Motives Design Awards.

It looks really cool, but it sure does take up a lot of space when it is parked and charging. Since density is the key to sustainable living, I don’t think something like this could be a viable solution.